“Sinatra in Palm Springs – The Place He Called Home” is a documentary by Leo Zahn that premieres during Modernism Week and explores Sinatra’s deep attachment to the desert - where he lived for almost 50 years.

Courtesy of Leo Zahn.

Modernism Week attendance rose 30 percent this year, bringing an estimated 126,000 people to Palm Springs and generating about $47.25 million in revenue throughout much of the valley, officials said Thursday.

In addition, CAMP, Modernism Week’s Community and Meeting Place and headquarters for tours and events, saw more than 32,500 visitors – also a 30 percent increase – throughout the 11-day event, held Feb. 15-25.

Architecture enthusiasts take part in the Modernism Week bus tour in Palm Springs.

Architecture enthusiasts take part in the Modernism Week bus tour in Palm Springs.

Desert Sun file

“Modernism Week continues to offer our attendees opportunities to learn about mid-century modern design, architecture and culture and about Palm Springs and other desert communities,” said Modernism Week board chairman William Kopelk.

“Our expanded range of programming continues to emphasize preservation and education and also offer fun and unique experiences through tours, parties and other activities,” he said, adding it couldn’t be done without the support of major sponsors, including the city of Palm Springs.

This was the 13th year for the event and the first time it drew people from all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, officials said.

Most attendees – 84.37 percent – were from California, representing 384 of the state’s 482 cities.

The Coachella Valley represented 33 percent of tickets sold in California.

Modernism Week was also popular with people from the Pacific Northwest, Chicago and New York and drew visitors from 19 countries, including Canada, Australia, Germany, England and France.

Hearst estate in Palm Springs designed by architect James McNaughton for George R. Hearst, the ...more

Hearst estate in Palm Springs designed by architect James McNaughton for George R. Hearst, the oldest son of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst.

Courtesy of Modernism Week.

“The worldwide publicity that the event generates continues to help brand the entire Coachella Valley as a mecca for modernism and architecture, which has a year-round influence on the valley’s tourism and international stature,” Kopelk said.

The popular Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale also saw increased numbers, as more than 12,500 attended the popular sale at the Palm Springs Convention Center, up 25 percent from 2017, officials said. The figure does not include the additional 1,400 guests who attended the show’s preview party on Feb. 16.

“The 2018 Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale was by far the most well-attended of the Palm Springs shows in our company’s history,” said Rosemary Krieger, president of Dolphin Promotions. “Our record-breaking number of significant exhibitors reported increased sales and their enthusiasm for the increased traffic was amazing.

“The new Modern Design Expo added an additional 40 exhibitors and attendees enjoyed browsing the modern decorative solutions that these exhibitors offered,” Krieger said.

The fall preview of Modernism Week 2019 is set for Oct. 18-21, with tickets going on sale Aug. 1.

Tickets for next year’s Modernism Week, set for Feb. 14-24, become available Nov. 1.

Desert Sun reporter Sherry Barkas covers Tourism and Families. She can be reached at sherry.barkas@thedesertsun.com or (760) 778-4694. Follow her on Twitter @TDSsherry